WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,423,992 National Emergency Grant to create temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Texas wildfires that began in August.

"Despite the best efforts of firefighters and emergency crews, this summer brutal wildfires scorched thousands of acres in Texas destroying homes and businesses," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The jobs created by this federal grant will provide paychecks for workers who need them and assistance for communities as cleanup and repair efforts continue."

The funds are being awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission. Of the $1,423,992 announced today, $474,664 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared the following Texas counties eligible for its Public Assistance Program: Anderson, Bastrop, Cherokee, Colorado, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Leon, Marion, Rusk, Smith, Upshur and Walker. More information on designated disaster areas in Texas is available from FEMA at http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=15672.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.